Malcolm: Lightning were outstanding in victory over Saracens

It was a case of ninth time lucky for Rachel Malcolm as the Loughborough Lightning co-captain timed her return to action with the club’s first-ever victory over Saracens.

Just over seven years after she first pulled on an African Violet shirt to go up against the North London outfit, the Scotland flanker was on the winning side as Nathan Smith’s side triumphed 22-17 in Sunday’s cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens encounter.

Malcolm arrived as a second-half replacement and played a key part in a defensive rearguard action that allowed the hosts to defend their lead through to the final whistle in the face of a Saracens’ onslaught.

“It was very special, for so many reasons,” said Malcolm. “I have been a part of this team since day one, and we have never beaten Saracens. They are a team to be reckoned with, they are always in the top four or top two. 

“I thought the girls were outstanding and the fight from minute one until minute 80 was incredible and very special for me to be back in amongst everyone.”

The Premiership Women’s Rugby Round 12 match was only Malcolm’s second club outing of the 2024/25 season, after she suffered an injury in November 2024’s agonising loss to Harlequins.

It meant the 33-year-old missed out on six Lightning fixtures but she has played a key role in the sidelines during her rehabilitation, including helping to nurture the leadership skills of, Daisy Hibbert-Jones, who was appointed co-captain in October 2024.

“I was very disappointed to be injured especially as it was the first game back after WXV,” said Malcolm. “I kind of flipped my mindset on it and used it as an opportunity to try and work on some weaknesses and come back stronger for what is a really important year for loads of us in this squad. Not only for me with Lightning but for Scotland too. 

“It has been tough, but it has been good to be on the touchline, mentor Daisy a little bit with captaincy stuff and now we can work together on the pitch. It has been tough, but I have enjoyed the challenge and now I am just grateful to be back.”

Lightning’s win followed on from Northampton Saints’ dramatic victory over Bath, as more than 2,000 supporters remained in their seats for the second part of a cinch Stadium Double Header.

The support from the sidelines wasn’t lost on Malcolm, who is targeting more upsets in Lightning’s five remaining fixtures.

“It was massive for us,” she added. “All we want to do is keep growing the women’s game. To see and hear people in the stands and have that support, especially on a wet and windy day like today and 5.30 on a Sunday isn’t always the peak time to come out and watch rugby in the rain, but, it means the world to us to have so much support every single week when we come here. 

“The performance showed how much that means to us and I hope we have their support for the rest of the season to go and cause a few more upsets.”